R.I. launches care services for Medicare, Medicaid beneficiaries

By Kaylen Auer PBN Web Editor

The R.I. Executive Office of Health and Human Services announced Monday that it has contracted with Neighborhood Health Plan of Rhode Island and CareLink Inc. to provide long-term care services for individuals with dual eligibility in both Medicare and Medicaid. More

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R.I. launches care services for Medicare, Medicaid beneficiaries

RHODE ISLAND'S Integrated Care Initiative aims to improve the health and quality of life for seniors and adults with disabilities. Approximately 28,000 Rhode Islanders will be eligible for these new health-care options, according to the R.I. Executive Office and Health and Human Services.

PROVIDENCE – The R.I. Executive Office of Health and Human Services announced today that it has contracted with Neighborhood Health Plan of Rhode Island and CareLink Inc. to provide long-term care services for individuals with dual eligibility in both Medicare and Medicaid.

Some individuals who have Medicaid-only coverage and receive long-term care services also will be eligible.

“This new initiative for seniors and adults with disabilities aligns with other health care efforts in the state to improve the coordination of care and support offered to individuals who choose to, and are able to, live safely at home,” said Gov. Lincoln D. Chafee in a release.

The new partnership with NHPRI and CareLink launches the state’s Integrated Care Initiative, a program brought about through the Affordable Care Act, which established new incentives for states to coordinate care for its Medicare- and Medicaid-eligible population.

The Integrated Care Initiative aims to improve the health and quality of life for seniors and adults with disabilities. Approximately 28,000 Rhode Islanders will be eligible for these new health-care options, according to the release issued by HHS.

Enrollment in the Integrated Care Initiative is voluntary and will be phased in over a six-month period.

Enrollment letters were mailed to the first group of eligible individuals last week. These individuals have 30 days to choose one of two new programs: Rhody Health Options, the health plan option administered through NHPRI, or Connect Care Choice Community Partners, the fee-for-service option administered through CareLink.

Some high-needs individuals also may be eligible to enroll in PACE, or Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly, a program started in 2005 that provides care for 263 Rhode Island residents with Medicare and Medicaid eligibility.

Individuals also may choose to remain in Medicaid fee-for-service.

All programs are designed to provide high-quality care to eligible beneficiaries and enhance support for living at home or in the community.

Eligible potential members with questions about enrollment in the Integrated Care Initiative programs can call the Enrollment Help Line at (855) 444-3604, available Mondays through Fridays from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.

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